Outdoor Adventures 2023
July 21, 2023 @ 8:00AM — July 30, 2023 @ 5:00PM Eastern Time (US & Canada) Add to Calendar
Plan Your Summer Festival Vibes with Us and the Great Outdoors!
Creeper Trail Hike from Watauga to Abingdon
Hike on the Virginia Creeper Trail along a creek through the Knobs. See wildlife and cross four trestles in 3.7 miles. A shuttle will provide transportation to Watauga.
Hike to The Great Channels
Tuesday, July 25 9am-4 pm
Meet at Hayters Gap Community Center, 7720 Hayters Gap Road, Saltville, VA 24370
Imagine squeezing between forty-foot-high stone walls. The Great Channels is a unique geologic formation composed of a network of deep sandstone crevices at the top of Clinch Mountain. The Great Channels is part of the Channels State Forest and Natural Area Preserve.
Strenuous Hike from Backbone Rock to Damascus
Wednesday, July 26 9 am-1pm
Caboose at Damascus Town Park
This 7.3-mile hike with 1,540 feet in elevation gain on the Backbone Rock Trail and Appalachian Trail is recommended for experienced hikers in good physical condition. Hiking sticks are recommended. Meet at the caboose in the Damascus Town Park for a shuttle to Backbone Rock to start the one-way hike back to Damascus.
Moderate Loop Hike on the Appalachian and
Iron Mountain Trails
Thursday, July 27 at 9am-12noon
Caboose at Damascus Town Park
This 4.9-mile loop hike with 1,100 feet in elevation gain is recommended for hikers in average physical condition. Hiking sticks suggested. Meet at the caboose in the Damascus Town Park in Damascus, Va.
Snorkeling in Whitetop-Laurel Creek with Blue Ridge Discovery Center
Sunday, July 30 1-2:30 and 2:45-4:15pm
Join Blue Ridge Discovery Center and snorkel for native fish, aquatic insects and hellbenders on Whitetop-Laurel Creek. Wetsuits, snorkel masks, and changing tents are provided by BRDC, but you need to bring a swimsuit and towels. We will be snorkeling in 1-3 feet of water with no swimming necessary.